2nd September 2016

In the last couple of months most Guilds will have been enjoying a summer break. Some of you will have found this a lonely time – no meetings, no fellowship and fewer people in the pews on a Sunday. You will no doubt be looking forward to all the meetings starting again! Although my own Guild only meets in the summer months, I too am looking forward to The Guilds restarting and hearing all the news.

Last Sunday, I joined the National Youth Assembly – firstly for worship at Gartmore Parish Church – we were very warmly welcomed by the minister Rev Elaine MacRae and her congregation. Thereafter I attended a workshop on Gender Based Violence – how a campaign might be targeted in four areas – the world, the church, the community and personally. After a very good roast lunch, the topic for discussion was mental health in young people, with speakers Maureen Watt MSP, Minister for Mental Health, Viv Dickinson from Crossreach and Andrew Tomlinson from Church & Society Council. I came away filled with hope for our church in the future – there were 94 committed and mature Christian people between 17 and 25 – if even some of them continue along their faith journey, then the Church of Scotland will be in safe hands.

However, before anything else, I am looking forward to seeing over 2,100 of you in the Caird Hall on Saturday at the 2016 Annual Gathering Over 500 programmes have been sent out already to Guilds who are going to be joining in via live streaming to church halls and living rooms up and down the country.

On Monday I called into 121 where a group of ladies from Edinburgh Presbyterial Council were busy bundling the programmes and inserts and packing the boxes ready to go to Dundee on today. A lot of work goes into organising an event such as the Annual Gathering – just think, it is the largest group of Church of Scotland people all in one place at one time! It is even double the daily attendance at the General Assembly! But, of course, we are the Guild – BOLD AND STRONG!

It's hard to believe that the Annual Gathering is here. A huge amount of hard work and careful planning has gone in to make sure the day is the success we are sure it will be.

We are looking forward to hearing from Rt Rev Russell Barr, Moderator of the General Assembly and writer and broadcaster, Sally Magnusson, our two main speakers.

As well all who are joining us in Dundee there are local live link events in Edinburgh, North Berwick, Newton Stewart, Lanark, Inverurie, Kirkintilloch, Inverness, Dalgety Bay, Banchory, Banffshire, Forres, Aberdeen and Kelso ensuring that the Annual Gathering is by far the largest event in the church calendar.

This weekend will be your first chance to see our newest resource 'The Big Book of Gui(l)d Ideas'.

With sections entitled 'Starting Up', 'Planning Ahead', 'Building the Guild' and 'One Journey, Many Roads' we hope that this will be a resource that will encourage and inspire you in the months ahead to further develop your Guild or even start a Guild in your congregation.

The books will be on their way to your Guild in the next couple of weeks so watch for them dropping through the letterbox. Additional copies can be ordered from the Guild office.

A training day on 'The Big Book of Gui(l)d Ideas' is also planned for Resource Coordinators so keep an eye out for details which will be available soon.

As Rosemary mentioned in her letter, the National Youth Assembly had their annual conference in August. The Youth Assembly are honorary members of the Guild and we enjoy the opportunities this provides for us to share ideas, experiences and discuss the big issues that impact on both young and older people in the church. As well as discussing gender based violence and mental health, this year's Youth Assembly considered the future of ministry & new opportunities for fresh expressions of church. If your Guild would like more information about the National Youth Assembly please get in touch.

There is wide range of new merchandise available for sale including the 2016 Christmas card designed by Evi J. Carmichael, a member at Portobello & Joppa Parish Church Guild. The cards come in a pack of 6 (2 of each design) and are just £2.50.

Other new items include an insulated mug (£3), a tea towel (£3.50), celebration bunting in 10m lengths (£15) and food flags (£2.50).

There is also an air freshener for your car (£1) and a sock for your mobile phone (£1). And of course our new I love the Guild mugs (£3).

We are happy to provide you with a selection of items to sell at your Guild or church event on a sale or return basis. Simply give us a call at the office and we will get things sent out to you in time for your event or Guild meeting.

On 1 October the Guild along with other partners in the Church of Scotland and Christian Aid are hosting a conference in Bridge of Allan Church to explore how Climate change changes lives.

Speakers from around the world will be sharing the impact of climate change on the lives of communities across the continents and all participants will join workshops to explore how we can respond in Scotland.

Speakers will include:

Cecilia Cordova from Bolivia (Guild Partner Project)

Charles Agboklu from Ghana

Jacqueline Spence from Jamaica

Mohamed Adow, Climate Advisor to Christian Aid

John Chalmers, Principal Clerk

Numbers are limited so please register by email: nskinner@churchofscotland.org.uk

Our Project Partner "Feed the Minds" shared information about another tragedy that has occurred due to FGM. A young woman, Fatmata Turay from Sierra Leone, has died after being subjected to FGM. The Guild are proud to be supporting the work of Feeds the Minds and doing all we can to end this barbaric practise. Read more about this tragedy here <http://theguild.cmail20.com/t/t-l-hrkjpt-dujtnsj-z/>